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Hi, I’m Philippa MacGregor. My teaching background is in Maths and Accounting. As well as this I coordinate our Headstart Program (and our Pre-service Teachers) at Centenary.
Two years ago, on top of my full time work, I returned to study part time for my Masters in Professional Accounting.
What does this and my Headstart Coordination role have in common? It enables me to understand student concerns about working towards a goal, while still pursuing their ‘normal’ activities e.g. Year 11 and 12 subjects at school.
Requirements
To be successful in this program, students need to be self-motivated, present a report card with a ‘B’ average with their application form, maintain good results in their school subjects and have good time management skills.
Available Courses
We have courses available through two universities:
USQ – Headstart Program and
UQ – Enhanced Studies Program (ESP)
The current list of available courses is accessible through the university links.
SOME THOUGHTS FOR CONSIDERATION
Study requires perseverance and commitment on behalf of any student, and this is especially so for any student who undertakes tertiary studies while still in Year 11 or 12.
It is important that students and parent/s / caregiver/s understand the significance of various aspects of this study commitment:
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If the student is studying a USQ Headstart or UQ ESP subject in an external mode, there is the need for commitment to regular study, keeping up to date with course work, completion of assessment BOTH for the university course and for school subjects
- If the student is studying a USQ Headstart subject in an on campus mode, then students are to negotiate with their classroom teachers, a suitable arrangement for both parties, that allows them to keep up with school work that is missed due to their attendance at university timetabled lectures and tutorials Census Date is an extremely important concept that is required to be understood in any commitment to university studies.
- If you withdraw from a course before census date there is no academic penalty.
- If you withdraw after this date and you have a failure for this course, this is listed on your academic record FOREVER (obviously not a preferred option).
- If you are experiencing any difficulties with your studies both at university or as a consequence back at school, you must discuss this with Mrs MacGregor, the school co-ordinator of Headstart programs, at least one week prior to census date. This will allow for liaison to occur between the school and USQ and hopefully arrive at a beneficial outcome that will allow you to successfully continue in your chosen course.
- If your USQ Headstart commitment necessitated an adjustment to your school program, that resulted in the study of five school subjects and your university course, and you elected to withdraw from the course, after discussions with the co-ordinator, you will be required to return to a full school program of six subjects.
- Assessment items at university as part of the Headstart program are expected to be completed in the same manner as assessment at school. If a commitment has been made to study within the Headstart program you are acknowledging that you will be meeting the assessment requirements of your course. If you are experiencing difficulties in meeting deadlines you need to follow USQ policy in regards to this plus consult with the school co-ordinator.
- If any issues arise relating to your involvement in the Headstart program you are required to contact Mrs MacGregor through one of the following:
Phone 46367596
Email pmacg1@eq.edu.au
Mail CHSHS 60 Ramsay Street, Toowoomba
In person B Block staffroom
THE EXPERIENCE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SOME OF OUR SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPANTS
My Headstart experience was interesting and enjoyable. I was able to learn more about my future career choice – nursing. I was overwhelmed and thrilled about my end result – B. It was unexpected as I didn’t think I had done that well. Meeting other future nurses was great as they were already doing great things with the nursing course. The university experience was something entirely new and different, the amount of freedom overwhelmed me. Overall the experience was unforgettable and only just made me more persistent to continue nursing for my future career.
Megan Hansen, Year 12
I recently participated in USQ’s Headstart Program. Being based on campus, I travelled out to the uni once a week, having only to miss around a quarter of one lesson, each week, Having passed (with a distinction) my Psychology subject, I now have automatic entry to any science course at USQ. The experience has taught me many things, not only about Psychology. I gained an understanding as to what university is like, and how to effectively manage my time. I also now know what my selected course entails, and have a very good idea as to whether I wish to continue. Overall, this experience has been amazing, and I suggest everyone who can take it on, to do so.
Lachlan O’Connell Year 12
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